AB1710 LEARNING TO CARE FOR OLDER ADULTS WITH RHEUMATIC DISEASES: A NATIONAL SURVEY TO ASSESS CANADIAN RHEUMATOLOGY RESIDENTS’ KNOWLEDGE AND INTEREST IN GERIATRIC-RHEUMATOLOGY
Authors: S. M. Cho, H. Mcdonald-Blumer, L. Romanovsky, A. Bookman, A. Omar
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2023)

<h3>Background</h3> As the global population ages, the number of older adults with musculoskeletal and rheumatologic disorders is expected to rise.<sup>[1]</sup> This presents a challenge for rheumatologists, as the evaluation and management of older adults often requires understanding the unique considerations of multi-morbidity, polypharmacy, and geriatric syndromes.<sup>[2]</sup> Despite this growing need, it is currently unknown if rheumatology trainees receive sufficient education in geriatric-rheumatology during their training. <h3>Objectives</h3> To understand the perspectives and needs of rheumatology residents regarding geriatric-rheumatology education during their training in Canada. <h3>Methods</h3> The study conducted a cross-sectional needs assessment of rheumatology trainees in Canada who were enrolled in a residency or advanced fellowship training program within rheumatology. The survey underwent a pilot phase to ensure user-friendliness prior to its distribution. The survey was distributed to program directors of rheumatology training programs across Canada from December 2022 to January 2023, which was then forwarded to the residents within the respective rheumatology programs. The survey included multiple choice and open-ended questions exploring the residents' demographic data, exposure to geriatric-rheumatology education, knowledge gaps in managing older adults with rheumatic diseases and attitudes towards learning about geriatric-rheumatology. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. <h3>Results</h3> Fourteen rheumatology residents participated in the study, with an estimated response rate of 31.1%. Most residents (79%) had not received formal geriatric-rheumatology training during their rheumatology training. Residents (85%) were also unaware of any clinical tools or educational resources to help assess and manage older adults with rheumatic diseases. Most residents (71%) reported that geriatric-rheumatology training would be useful for their future practice and for taking care of older adults. Additionally, 65% of residents felt that formal rheumatology training curriculum should include geriatric-rheumatology contents. Areas where residents reported least confidence were applying the geriatric 5M framework, managing frailty, and providing end-of-life care to older adults with rheumatic diseases. They were most interested in learning how presentations and management of vasculitis, systemic lupus erythematosus and inflammatory arthritis differ in older adults and recognizing the indications of and risks associated with the use of DMARDs and biologics in this age group. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Our research revealed that rheumatology residents do not receive sufficient training in geriatric-rheumatology, indicating the need for a specialized curriculum in this field. Additionally, we discovered specific areas of interest among residents that can inform the development of future training initiatives. Overall, our study emphasizes the significance of incorporating geriatric-rheumatology education into rheumatology training programs. <h3>References</h3> [1]van Lankveld W, Franssen M, Stenger A. Gerontorheumatology: the challenge to meet health-care demands for the elderly with musculoskeletal conditions. <i>Rheumatology (Oxford</i>). 2005;44(4):419-422. doi:10.1093/rheumatology/keh555 [2]van Onna M, Boonen A. Challenges in the management of older patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases. <i>Nat Rev Rheumatol</i>. 2022;18(6):326-334. doi:10.1038/s41584-022-00768-6 <h3>Acknowledgements:</h3> NIL. <h3>Disclosure of Interests</h3> None Declared.